Dakota Wesleyan wrestler Tyson Johnson ready to tackle teaching in the classroom

May 8—MITCHELL — Tyson Johnson knows his way around the wrestling mat. His career at Dakota Wesleyan University features many highlights, including a 2024 NAIA National Championship qualification, a 2024 GPAC All-Conference Honorable Mention, and a true-second place finish at the GPAC Championships. Competing primarily at 157 and 149 pounds, Johnson is known for his comeback ability and major decision wins in duals.

He enjoys the competition of the sport, and it has rewarded him in many ways over the years. But among the lessons wrestling has taught him is an unexpected one — the idea that his competitive outlet could be a path to a teaching career. "A lot of it had to do with my coaches in high school, the impact that they made on me growing up into high school, making me a better person and knowing that those relationships are there and how powerful they are," Johnson told the Mitchell Republic.

"And I wanted to be that for somebody else. " Johnson will soon have his chance to be that inspiration as he prepares to graduate this Sunday, May 10 at the Corn Palace, the last step on his way to becoming a teacher in his hometown of Pierre. Johnson, who graduated in 2021 from T.

F. Riggs High School in Pierre, grew up used to the rural South Dakota environment and its outdoor activity trappings. It was a close-knit community in every sense of the word, he said, with teachers, coaches and students all sharing a friendly familiarity.